New Int'l. Release

The Sword With No Name

 (South Korea)

By DEREK ELLEY

A Showbox/Mediaplex release of a Sidus FNH, Showbox presentation, in association with Boston Venture Capital, Michigan Venture Capital and Sovik Venture Capital, of a Sidus FNH production. (International sales: Showbox, Seoul.) Produced by Kim Mi-heui. Executive producers, Ryu Jeong-hun, Seo Beom-seok, Jo Il-hyeong, Harry H.W. Kim, Park Hyeon-tae, Kim Gil-su, Lee Guk-jin, Park Jun-tae, K.Y. Shin. Directed by Kim Yong-kyun. Screenplay, Lee Suk-yeon, based on the novel by Yaseollok.
 
With: Jo Seung-woo, Su Ae, Sophie Broustal, Cheon Ho-jin, Choi Tae-woong, Kim Yeong-min, Park Min-huei.
 

A costume martial-artser that never fully realizes its potential, "The Sword With No Name" has several fine moments separated by many more that are just OK. Blending swordplay, high romance, on-the-cusp politicking and the theme of Korea dealing with foreign influences, this handsomely accoutred pic is most notable for a charismatic perf by actress Su Ae ("Family," "Sunny") as a royal spouse caught between duty, off-limits love and reforming zeal. A solid success locally this fall, the pic is ideal for film weeks and some cable outlets.

Late 19th-century setting sees the last of the Chosun dynasty, young King Go-jong (Kim Yeong-min), heading a country that's turned inward in response to growing Western influence (especially via Catholicism) and Japanese aggression. Go-jong is infuenced by his conservative father (Cheon Ho-jin, strong), and cuckolded by his young bride, Ja-yeong (Su), who's fallen for a master swordsman-turned-palace guard (Jo Seung-woo). Fascinating details, such as Ja-yeong's interest in all things Western, via a French friend (Sophie Broustal); the arrival of electricity in the country; and international power politics are unfortunately sidelined in favor of the less original central romance, richly scored by Choi Yong-rak.

Camera (color), Kim Myeong-jun; editors, Kim Sang-beom, Kim Jae-beom; music, Choi Yong-rak; production designer, Min Eun-ok; costume designer, Shin Hyeon-seob. Reviewed on DVD, London, Nov. 7, 2009. Original title: Bulggot cheoreom nabi cheoreom. Running time: 123 MIN.